1. Assume a 100g Sample

* This makes the calculations easier. If you have 26% nitrogen, you have 26g of nitrogen in your 100g sample.

* Similarly, you have 74g of oxygen.

2. Convert Grams to Moles

* Nitrogen: Divide the mass of nitrogen (26g) by its molar mass (14.01 g/mol)

* 26 g / 14.01 g/mol = 1.86 mol N

* Oxygen: Divide the mass of oxygen (74g) by its molar mass (16.00 g/mol)

* 74 g / 16.00 g/mol = 4.63 mol O

3. Find the Simplest Mole Ratio

* Divide both mole values by the smaller of the two (1.86 mol N)

* Nitrogen: 1.86 mol / 1.86 mol = 1

* Oxygen: 4.63 mol / 1.86 mol = 2.49

* Since we need whole number ratios, round 2.49 to the nearest whole number, which is 2.

4. Write the Empirical Formula

* The empirical formula is N₁O₂ or simply NO₂.